(財)新潟県国際交流協会 - NIA ( Niigata International Association ) -

Born in Costa Rica, she graduated from the Department of Management Engineering at the[ Universidad Autónoma de Centro América]. She married a Japanese man in Costa Rica, and through her husband’s work lived in various countries before immigrating to Kashiwazaki City in 1994. Now she is teaching English at elementary schools as an ALT and Spanish and English language learning courses at the Kashiwazaki Area International Association.

I met my husband, who was teaching Japanese at a university in Costa Rica, and we got married. After that, since my husband was working for JICA, we moved around to Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Peru, and Mexico, before coming to my husband’s homeland of Japan 17 years ago.

In addition to working as a part-time ALT (assistant language teacher), I also teach my native language of Spanish as well as English, which I studied when I was a student, in courses and clubs. Also, when I have the chance, I do Spanish translations and teach about Costa Rican culture at schools and the Kashiwazaki Area International Association. In between work, I take economics classes at Niigata Sangyo University, so I’m always busy.

Facing both the Carribean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, it’s warm all year long, and abundant in nature and greenery. Eco Tourism, which is for environmental conservation, is getting popular there. I think the people are lively and open. It’s also known as the only nation that is permanently neutral without armed forces.
Of course there are many differences from Niigata. At first, the humidity in summer, the snow in winter, and driving on snowy roads in Niigata was difficult, but I’ve gradually gotten used to it. Good points are that the water is clean and drinkable, and it’s a very safe place.

Because everyone is so nice, it’s easy to get by and I’m very happy. Since I’ve been here for a long time, I’m surrounded by many friends and warmly welcomed, for which I feel very thankful. Niigata is my second home, and I love it!